Dolphins catch break, will face Eagles without leading rusher

The Miami Dolphins will face the Philadelphia Eagles this afternoon without running back Jordan Howard due to a shoulder injury.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense will enter Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins down at least one key starter, as it has been announced that Eagles’ leading rusher Jordan Howard will miss today’s contest with a shoulder injury. It’s a lucky break for the Dolphins with more potential luck on the horizon if Eagles TE Zach Ertz cannot go with his troublesome hamstring today, too.

In Howard’s place, the Eagles are likely to feature a heavy dose of rookie running back Miles Sanders — the Eagles’ leader in yards from scrimmage this season. Miami’s defense will have their hands full even without Howard in the picture, mostly because of the presence of so many talented players along the Eagles’ offensive line to help create gaps for whoever is carrying the football.

Another name the Dolphins may see pop up today in the absence of Howard is former Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi, who recently signed on with the Eagles after spending the majority of the 2019 season as an unrestricted free agent. Ajayi’s tenure in Miami was short, but successful — he romped for over 1,200 rushing yards in 2016 en route to the Dolphins’ most recent playoff berth.

Ajayi isn’t that caliber of a player these days, injuries have taken a considerable toll on Ajayi’s body. But with depth tested, this may be a chance for a callback game for Ajayi in a familiar environment.

The Dolphins and Eagles kick off at 1PM EST from Hard Rock Stadium this afternoon.

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